Greek Temple Architecture Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the term used for the systematic spacing of columns expressed as multiples of column diameters?

Stereobate

Entablature

Intercolumnation (correct)

Acroterion

Which of the following describes a Pycnostyle intercolumnation?

1 1/2 D spacing between columns (correct)

2 D spacing between columns

1 D spacing between columns

3 D spacing between columns

Which part of a Greek temple is located at the apex or corners of a pediment?

Column

Entablature

Stereobate

Acroterion (correct)

What is the primary role of the pediment in classical architecture?

To serve as a decorative element above columns Signup and view all the answers

Which intercolumnation style has the largest spacing between columns?

Araeostyle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the capital in a Greek temple column?

To support the entablature or architrave Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Greek temple is referred to as the stereobate?

The visible solid mass serving as the foundation Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the plinth in a Greek temple structure?

To provide a square slab beneath the base of a column Signup and view all the answers

What is the stylebote in relation to Greek temples?

The floor of the temple where columns are placed Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the central part or body of a Greek temple column?

Shaft Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the base of a column in Greek temple architecture?

It is decorative and provides structural support Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dado' refer to in the context of Greek temples?

The lower section of a column between the base and the shaft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'pedestal' in Greek temple architecture?

An elevated construction for columns or statues Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the acropolis in ancient Greek cities?

A stronghold or fortress Signup and view all the answers

To whom is the Parthenon dedicated?

Athena Signup and view all the answers

What material was primarily used in the construction of the Propylaea?

White Pentelic marble Signup and view all the answers

Which architect is credited with the design of the Propylaea?

Mnesicles Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Erechtheion when it was constructed?

To house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'temenos' refer to?

A holy sanctuary Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Temple of Athena Nike from other temples on the Acropolis?

It is the first building encountered when approaching the Propylaea. Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon?

Phidias Signup and view all the answers

What material was primarily used to create the Athena Parthenos statue?

Carved ivory and gold Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the northern wing of the Propylaea provided windows and served as a gallery?

The pinacotheca Signup and view all the answers

Who was the architect responsible for the design of the Erechtheion?

Mnesicles Signup and view all the answers

What was the construction period of the Parthenon?

447-438 B.C. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key consideration in the planning of temples in ancient Greece?

The aesthetic impact of outward appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Opisthodomos in a temple?

To house a treasury Signup and view all the answers

How are temples typically categorized in terms of their architectural structure?

According to the number of columns at the entrance and their arrangement Signup and view all the answers

What describes the Cella/Naos within a temple?

The principal chamber where the cult image is kept Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Stylobate in temple architecture?

Acting as a base for columns in colonnades Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to a passage located between the Pteron and the Cella?

Pteroma Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural feature is typically found opposite the altar in a temple layout?

Cella/Naos Signup and view all the answers

How many columns does a Distyle temple have at its entrance?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the open vestibule that precedes the cella in a temple?

Pronaos/Anticum Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes distyle in antis temples from distyle amphi-antis temples?

Distyle in antis has columns only at the front, while distyle amphi-antis has them at both front and rear. Signup and view all the answers

Which arrangement involves a row of columns at the front of the temple only?

Prostyle Signup and view all the answers

How many columns are found in a tetrastyle prostyle temple?

4 columns Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of a peripteral temple?

A single row of columns surrounding the temple Signup and view all the answers

In a pseudoperipteral temple, how are the columns arranged?

Attached to the naos with a façade Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes amphiprostyle temples from prostyle temples?

Amphiprostyle features porticoes at both front and rear. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a single row of columns attached to the naos?

Pseudoperipteral Signup and view all the answers

How many columns does a hexastyle pseudoperipteral temple have at the façade?

6 columns Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Greek Architecture Pt. 2

Key topics include influences, Greek periods, ornaments, Acropolis, temples, orders, and structures.

The Acropolis

Many Greek cities were built on or near a hill called an acropolis.
An acropolis formed a citadel.
"City on the height" - in classical Greek architecture, a city stronghold was built higher than the surrounding urban fabric.
The Acropolis of Athens is a temenos for the Greek goddess Athena.
A temenos is a holy sanctuary or a piece of land marked off from common uses and dedicated to a god.

Propylaea

Monumental gates or entranceways to a space, typically a temple or religious complex.
Part of Pericles' great rebuilding program for Athens.
Designed by architect Mnesicles.
Constructed of Pentelic marble.
Situated on an east-west axis to mirror the Parthenon.
The northern wing functions as a pinacotheca (a picture gallery).

Parthenon

Built from 447-438 B.C. in honor of Athena, the city's patron goddess.
Designed by Iktinos and Kallikrates.
Pheidias was the sculptor responsible for the sculptural decoration and the ivory statue of Athena.
Underwent multiple restorations, including programs in 1896-1900 and 1922-1933.

Erechtheion

Also called Erechtheum.
Constructed during the Golden Age of Athens.
Intended to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena.
Designed to glorify Athens at its peak.
Architect: Mnesicles.
The caryatids are the temple's signature feature.

Caryatids

Carved female figures which function as columns in the Erechtheion.

Temple of Athena Nike

A smaller temple, considerably smaller than other temples on the Acropolis.
The first building that visitors see approaching the Propylaea.

Statue of Athena

A gigantic statue, approximately 11.5 meters tall.
Made of carved ivory for the flesh parts and gold for other parts, wrapped around a wooden core.
A marble copy is housed in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.

Temples - Planning

Temple entrances are typically located on the east side.
Altars were placed opposite the east front of the temple.
Key temple sections include:
- Opisthodomos (a small treasury room within the cella)
- Cella or Naos (primary chamber housing the cult image)
- Pronaos or Anticum (an open vestibule in front of the cella)
Temples are described by:
- The number of columns on the entrance frontage (e.g., hexastyle, octastyle).
- The arrangement of exterior columns (e.g., prostyle, amphiprostyle, peripteral, pseudo-peripteral, dipteral, pseudo-dipteral).
Intercolumniation refers to the systematic spacing of columns, measured in multiples of column diameters (e.g., pycnostyle, systyle, eustyle, diastyle, araeostyle).

Parts of the Greek Temple

Acroterion: A sculpture or ornament atop the pediment corner.
Pediment: The triangular upper part of the temple's front.
Tympanum: The triangular space enclosed by the pediment's horizontal and sloping sides.
Entablature: The horizontal part of the temple, resting on columns.
- Cornice: The decorated projection at the top of the entablature.
- Frieze: The horizontal panel with relief sculptures.
- Architrave: The lowest part of the entablature, directly above the columns.
Column: A cylindrical support in classical architecture.
- Capital: The decorated top of the column.
- Shaft: The central part of the column.
- Base: The lower part of the column, often distinctively treated.
Stereobate (or Crepidoma): The solid masonry platform serving as the foundation and visible above ground.
- Stylobate: The stepped platform supporting the columns.
- Pedestal: a construction on which a column or statue is elevated.
- Dado and Plinth: Parts of the column's base.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Greek temple architecture with this quiz. It covers key terms and functions related to columns, pediments, and other structural elements. Perfect for architecture students or enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of classical design.